Madurai

Home to the famed Meenakshi Amman Temple, Madurai is one of the oldest cities of India. The city is famous for is rich cultural heritage and glorious tradition, and finds mention in ancient Greek and Roman texts. The three Tamil Sangams evolved and flourished here. The Meenakshi Amman temple is situated in the heart of the city, and there are a number of temples in and around the city. The city has been a centre for learning and pilgrimage for centuries.

Eating Out!

Madurai is a culinary delight for its distinct brand of traditional south Indian food. For example, a trip to Madurai isn't complete without savouring the piping hot idlis (and sambar) and myriad chutneys served at the Murugan Idli Shop. Another must-try is the 'Jigirithanda', a traditional milkshake with a distinct flavour that is synonymous with the city. The city also has its fair share of excellent multi-cuisine restaurants, including the Taj Garden Retreat, and Aaharam (inside the GRT Regency).

SpiceJet Recommendations!

Meenakshi Amman Temple; Thirumalai Nayak Palace; Gandhi Museum; Kazimar Masjid.

Shopping

Madurai has long been famous for its textiles. The city teems with cloth stalls and tailors' shops. A great place for getting cottons and printed batik fabrics that the city is renowned for is Puthu Mandapam, the pillared former entrance hall at the eastern side of Sri Meenakshi Temple. Curiosities such as bell-metal lamps, bronze images, and wood and stone carvings can be bought at the government-owned Poompuhar Handicrafts shop, the Cottage Arts Emporium and the Madurai Gallery.

Meenakshi Amman Temple
The Meenakshi Amman temple complex is a splendid example of the south Indian architectural idiom, and is one of the biggest temple complexes of India. Four immense gopurams or temple towers crown the gateways at each cardinal direction, easily visible from a distance. Each tower is encrusted with more than a thousand brilliantly painted sculptures depicting an assortment of mythological and auspicious themes. The temple also houses the famed Ayirankaal Mandapam (1000 Pillared Hall), an architectural masterpiece containing close to a thousand pillars, that appear to be in a straight line when viewed from any angle ! In the outermost corridors are situated the matchless musical pillars, each producing a different musical note when tapped. In addition, the temple complex has a beautiful art museum, several shops, and a large temple tank that is closely associated with that legendary Tamil Sangams.
Thirumalai Nayak Palace
The palace complex of Thirumalai Nayakar Mahaal was constructed in the Indo-Saracen style by Thirumalai Nayakar in 1636. It was used for administrative purposes during the British rule. The Archaeological Department has declared the palace as a national monument, and is now a popular tourist attraction, especially for a daily half-hour (in English at 6:45pm, and in Tamil at 8:15 pm) sound and light show that extols the virtues of King Thirumalai and his passion for the arts.
Gandhi Museum
One of the five Gandhi Sanghralayas in the country, the Gandhi Museum includes a part of the blood-stained garment worn by Gandhi when he was assassinated. In addition to its large pictorial gallery and numerous exhibits, the Museum also contains a library with a large collection of books, open air theatre and a khadi and village industries section.
Kazimar Big Mosque
Constructed under the supervision of Kazi Syed Tajuddin, believed to be a descendant of the prophet Mohammed, Kazimar mosque was the first Muslim place of worship in the city, and is the second oldest mosque in Tamil Nadu.